Hidden Gem of the Music Program

An often overlooked group in Gallatin High is the Kamerata Orchestra. While the music program in general doesn’t get its due amount of representation, the Kamerata is severely lacking in attention for the amount of time and effort that students put into their performances. Comprised of around 20 students across four sections of instruments, these students dedicate their time (and their sleep) to playing more advanced music than the other two orchestra classes do. Many of these students are seniors this year, and this leaves a great opportunity to gain insight into what their thoughts and opinions are of the class, and of the orchestra program in general. While it is wonderful to see that the Kamerata is filled with experienced players, it is also worrying to some extent. Graduation will leave the class with many empty seats to fill, so aspiring musicians will have to step up to take their places.

When four seniors were asked the same sets of questions, some of the answers and opinions were unanimous, but in some cases they differed. Starting with unanimity, these students in particular agreed upon one, grand aspect of the orchestra: chamber groups are (usually) amazing. To expand upon this, and to preface one of the interview questions, chamber groups are small groups of players. The Kamerata also performs as a large orchestra, but one of its ‘marketing points’ to students is being able to work in smaller groups. The question was phrased as such: “Do you prefer working in chamber groups, or with the entire orchestra?” Every respondent answered that it is more enjoyable to work in chamber groups. One of the interviewees, Maya Schmitz, expressed this in a very enthusiastic way, saying that it is so much more fun to perform and practice in these small groups. It requires more dedication to one’s part, but that means that one also does not have to be dragged back by an entire section of instruments. On another note, these seniors agreed upon the idea that better interpersonal relationships develop through chamber groups, as one spends time around a small group of new people. It was also acknowledged that younger students should strive to be in the Kamerata. Anne Erickson, a senior violinist, expressed that being in the Kamerata is “a unique experience from playing in a regular orchestra and working in chamber groups gives you skills you wouldn’t have gotten through the other orchestras.” It helps develop confidence in one’s own playing, and compels students to become more independent.

Some of the differing responses had to do with opinions on experiences and the importance of music. Firstly, these seniors had many experiences to share that have happened through regular orchestra classes and through being in Kamerata. Norah Wold, a cellist, said that one of her favorite memories from orchestra was going on the 2022 trip to Europe. She enjoyed having both high schools together on that trip, and that it was very fun to get to perform and travel throughout Italy, Austria, and a small part of Germany. Maya also agreed with her on this, and also mentioned that getting to play in various cathedrals was an amazing time. However, another student, Alexander Schoep, disregarded Europe in favor of being told a piece of advice by Mr. Certalic, the orchestra teacher for both of the high schools. Mr. Certalic once told the class that the greatest friends one can make are through the orchestra program. Alexander finds this to be quite true. This advice opened a door to viewing other students as not just fellow performers, but also as valuable friends.

Views also differed about the class requirements for being in Kamerata. A participant in Kamerata must also be in the Philharmonic orchestra, which is seen by some as annoying, but as a good thing by others. Maya and Anne mentioned that sometimes, it’s hard to enjoy playing music in the Philharmonic, when it isn’t as engaging as the repertoire that they play in Kamerata. The lack of interesting material can feel more like a burden to them. On a different note, Norah and Alexander believe that it is important to have the extra class, because it also helps younger students get acclimated to the program. The only area of discomfort with having both classes is that it can be a curriculum struggle. For Alexander in particular, this means that he is now doing his required CTE credits this year. Having two orchestra classes every year, with both being taught only one period a day, makes it hard to include some necessary things in his schedule. The schedule conflicts can cause issues: would one rather drop orchestra and not be able to pick it up again, or is it better to push necessary credits back a year? At least for some, it seems absolutely worth it to have to cram classes at the end of their high school years. From the numerous memories made, to the impact on one’s personal growth, it definitely seems that being involved in the music program is a worthy commitment.